You may be subject to administrative or criminal sanctions if you engage in which of the following actions?

The action that may subject an individual to administrative or criminal sanctions is using classified information for personal gain. Engaging in this kind of action undermines national security and violates laws established to protect sensitive information. Such behavior is seen as a serious offense, as it exploits privileged access to classified material for personal benefit rather than for authorized purposes.

By contrast, submitting a formal challenge to information that may be improperly classified is a responsible action that aligns with the whistleblower protections in place to ensure that classification standards are adhered to correctly. Classifying all new information as Top Secret without proper authority or justification can lead to serious consequences, but the focus on personal gain points directly to a violation of trust and legality that carries heavier sanctions. Failing to report security breaches is also subject to penalties, but the most severe violations are associated with the misuse of classified information for personal benefit.